Grizz Update #2

OK, for all you math whizzes out there, as per my previous Grizz Blog, we needed 6 ft or 72 inches at mid mtn to get anywhere close to opening the lower mtn. Lets do the math; Monday - 20 inches; yesterday at report time - 8 inches; Saturday at report time - 0 inches; day before that at report time - 12 inches; and on Thursday - 16 inches at report time... Combined total - 56 inches.

Now, to consider a lower mtn opening, as I stated, we needed about 72 inches. When you do the math, it seems that we are currently 16 inches shy. The good news is that it is still snowing today with more to come tonight and the snow level is very low. As I stated in my last Grizz Blog, once we get that 72 inch total or now 16 inches, I will be able to let you know within 48 hours when the lower mtn will open. So, if it snows the proverbial 16 inches by report time on Tuesday, I will let you know by Thursday morning when you can expect the lower mountain to open.

Now you may be wondering, why does it take so long? Well, the lower mountain is very prone to avalanche activity. An avalanche can be created when snow builds up on a steep slope. When the snow can no longer support its own weight, it succumbs to the forces of gravity and slides uncontrollably down the slope. Snow in this form moves very quickly and can be quite heavy and dangerous. Due to its steepness, the lower mtn is very prone to this sort of activity in many areas. The ski patrol will be initiating their snow safety plan (SSP) over the next few days, weather permitting of course. The SSP reduces the avalanche hazards but does not totally eliminate the possibility, as snow safety is not an exact science.

While many of you are expert skiers and have vast knowledge about snow and hazard management and can protect yourselves, we at the ski area need to also consider and manage to those who have not quite achieved a higher snow safety skill/knowledge level yet, but have the ski/board ability and desire for lower mountain experience.

In addition to the snow safety work, the perimeter boundary needs to be set, trail closure ropes and gates installed and towers padded. Lift operations must build the ramps top and bottom, set the perimeter ropes, maze ropes and set up the signage. We refer to all these little nagging, yet critical tasks as "opening procedures." These tasks can't even be started until there is enough snow to get to and from the job site, without putting our valued employees at unnecessary risks.

Bear Valley will always take the time necessary to open lifts and terrain without rushing and endangering our employees. If that takes an extra day or two, so be it. I understand your anxiety and that you may think we are just "saving it for ourselves," as our personal and private stash. I would hope as our relationship grows, so will our trust and understanding. Will we make a mistake or two in the timely opening? Sure. Will you let us know when we do? You will. Please keep in mind that we still have to manage the current open terrain and visitors as well. While the lowermtn may be your top priority we, as reasonable and prudent ski area operators, will balance our activities to service all.

Snow willing, I anticipate the lower mountain could open as early as Saturday at noon. Let's blog again about the Grizz on Thursday! Until then... Enjoy the snow.

Cheers, Gentling